What do you think?
Rate this book
SOUR
Sable Bell Lumen was raised by serial killers.
At The Lumen Lemon Farms, the lemons are bright, the pies are warm, and the soil is soaked with secrets. Her parents, Meril and Louise Lumen, have a kill, bury the body in the backyard, and plant a new lemon tree on the grave.
Sable never asked for this life, but she’s been trained to survive it—scrubbing blood from tile floors, dragging bodies to shallow plots, learning how to keep quiet.
Then Jones Law arrives.
Gentle, inquisitive, and full of life, he makes Sable feel everything she was taught to suppress. But love, in her family, is a death sentence. Her parents give her one
Kill him, or he joins the grove.
Sable thinks she knows how this ends, until a twist no one saw coming changes everything.
A haunting, slow-burn thriller about love, legacy, and the rot that hides beneath the roots.
At The Lumen Lemon Farms, the lemons are bright, the pies are warm, and the soil is soaked with secrets. Her parents, Meril and Louise Lumen, have a kill, bury the body in the backyard, and plant a new lemon tree on the grave.
Sable never asked for this life, but she’s been trained to survive it—scrubbing blood from tile floors, dragging bodies to shallow plots, learning how to keep quiet.
Then Jones Law arrives.
Gentle, inquisitive, and full of life, he makes Sable feel everything she was taught to suppress. But love, in her family, is a death sentence. Her parents give her one
Kill him, or he joins the grove.
Sable thinks she knows how this ends, until a twist no one saw coming changes everything.
A haunting, slow-burn thriller about love, legacy, and the rot that hides beneath the roots.
- GenresRomance
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 13, 2026
So unique an so refreshing! See what I did there? lemons... refreshing... 😅
I mean... main character raised by the serial killers? What a start!
Honestly, nothing in this book went the way I expected or wanted it to. It kept me frustrated (in a good way!), it kept me on my toes. Definitely worth reading!
Also, I don't say it often, but with this book... make sure you check the trigger warnings.
I mean... main character raised by the serial killers? What a start!
Honestly, nothing in this book went the way I expected or wanted it to. It kept me frustrated (in a good way!), it kept me on my toes. Definitely worth reading!
Also, I don't say it often, but with this book... make sure you check the trigger warnings.
November 17, 2025
Fresh story idea
I really enjoyed the storyline.
I didn’t love the writing style, but I understand this is your first book and take that into account.
I often struggled to understand who was speaking and would have to go back a bit to make sure which character was speaking. Perhaps make that a bit more clear in your next book.
I wish you success in your future endeavors.
I really enjoyed the storyline.
I didn’t love the writing style, but I understand this is your first book and take that into account.
I often struggled to understand who was speaking and would have to go back a bit to make sure which character was speaking. Perhaps make that a bit more clear in your next book.
I wish you success in your future endeavors.
April 30, 2026
This reminded me so much of keep it in the family even tho the storylines ultimately have nothing in common and Sour had a lighter almost comedic at times vibe. Last 10 pages, wowsa!
December 5, 2025
The plot in this book was so different & addicting to read. But unfortunately it needed some serious editing. There were so many repetitive lines & many errors. It was really hard to tell which character was speaking. I’m so torn because I know it’s a debut & I’m not expecting perfection. It’s just one of those books where I’d love to recommend but I can’t because it needs quite a bit of work. If I was the author, I would seriously consider hiring an editor & some beta readers to go through a round of edits & then re release with arc readers. I truly think it has so much potential!
November 5, 2025
Holy F***..... this book was SO addicting.
It had me feeling so many emotions. One minute I was sad, the next I was so angry and just wanted to help Sabel Bell. The writing was awesome, the author didn't over describe things and made the 600 pages so enjoyable even though it was a mindf*** of a book. I was here for all the ups and downs and highly recommended this gory book to people who like gore! I couldn't stop reading it!
It had me feeling so many emotions. One minute I was sad, the next I was so angry and just wanted to help Sabel Bell. The writing was awesome, the author didn't over describe things and made the 600 pages so enjoyable even though it was a mindf*** of a book. I was here for all the ups and downs and highly recommended this gory book to people who like gore! I couldn't stop reading it!
June 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)
Sable Bell Lumen was raised by serial killers. At the Lumen Lemon Farms, every victim is buried beneath a lemon tree, and Sable has spent her entire life helping her parents hide their crimes while trying not to become like them.
The premise of this book immediately hooked me. A girl raised by serial killers who wants to protect people instead of killing them? I was all in.
This is definitely a slow-burn romantic thriller. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW. At over 600 pages, I felt like not a whole lot happened for the first 500+ pages. There was enough mystery to keep me reading, but I kept waiting for the suspense to really kick in.
What kept me invested was Sable. I genuinely felt for her throughout the book. She doesn’t want to kill anyone, but she’s trapped between protecting innocent people and surviving her parents. Meril and Louise were absolutely terrible parents, and watching Sable try to navigate love, loyalty, fear, and survival was what kept me turning the pages.
I also spent most of the book questioning Jones. Every time I thought I had him figured out, something would happen that made me suspicious again. Looking back, some of those reveals were actually pretty well done.
My biggest issue was the pacing and the ending. The final chapters finally delivered some of the action and answers I had been waiting for, but then the ending became so symbolic and abstract that I had to reread it multiple times just to figure out what happened. I don’t mind emotional endings, but after investing 600+ pages, I wanted a little more clarity.
Overall, I liked this book more than I loved it. The concept was unique, Sable was easy to root for, and the mystery kept me engaged, but the slow pacing and confusing ending kept it from being a higher-rated read for me.
I will definitely be picking up Book Two when it releases.
Sable Bell Lumen was raised by serial killers. At the Lumen Lemon Farms, every victim is buried beneath a lemon tree, and Sable has spent her entire life helping her parents hide their crimes while trying not to become like them.
The premise of this book immediately hooked me. A girl raised by serial killers who wants to protect people instead of killing them? I was all in.
This is definitely a slow-burn romantic thriller. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW. At over 600 pages, I felt like not a whole lot happened for the first 500+ pages. There was enough mystery to keep me reading, but I kept waiting for the suspense to really kick in.
What kept me invested was Sable. I genuinely felt for her throughout the book. She doesn’t want to kill anyone, but she’s trapped between protecting innocent people and surviving her parents. Meril and Louise were absolutely terrible parents, and watching Sable try to navigate love, loyalty, fear, and survival was what kept me turning the pages.
I also spent most of the book questioning Jones. Every time I thought I had him figured out, something would happen that made me suspicious again. Looking back, some of those reveals were actually pretty well done.
My biggest issue was the pacing and the ending. The final chapters finally delivered some of the action and answers I had been waiting for, but then the ending became so symbolic and abstract that I had to reread it multiple times just to figure out what happened. I don’t mind emotional endings, but after investing 600+ pages, I wanted a little more clarity.
Overall, I liked this book more than I loved it. The concept was unique, Sable was easy to root for, and the mystery kept me engaged, but the slow pacing and confusing ending kept it from being a higher-rated read for me.
I will definitely be picking up Book Two when it releases.
November 12, 2025
This is the first book I read by Shaw and she is an amazing writer kept me infested in the book the whole time the starting of the book being raised by serial killers like right there I knew I needed to k ow what happens to her and what happens with her parents and she starts dating and I’m like oh boy this isn’t gonna be good she had me right to the end of the book excellent and need to see more of her books
October 27, 2025
Spectacular
Sour is a romantic Thriller with twists in all the right places. Smith expertly weaves the Thriller plot with the romance plot, giving you just enough insight to keep you guessing while pining for The Love Story. Sable is like a precious stone i just wanted to protect. Absolutely recommend.
Sour is a romantic Thriller with twists in all the right places. Smith expertly weaves the Thriller plot with the romance plot, giving you just enough insight to keep you guessing while pining for The Love Story. Sable is like a precious stone i just wanted to protect. Absolutely recommend.
September 2, 2025
Wow! I have no words for how absolutely captivating this book was. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. This book has left me reeling. I highly suggest this book however you may want to check trigger warnings before reading as there some pretty gory scenes!
December 7, 2025
This story pulls you in from the beginning, with all sorts of twists and turns. Deeply rooted in navigating the hardest parts of life, with some hope and love thrown in. I appreciated how very difficult topics where handled and spoken about, with a sense of them coming from genuine people.
August 15, 2025
I can’t believe the ending of this book. No spoilers but my jaw dropped 😬 Also I really wanted to pet clementine 🐈 my jaw also dropped at the note! 📝 and I’m really glad I don’t enjoy running, lemons give me heartburn and I don’t have small legs 😉😂
May 9, 2026
I have not read a thriller like this before. We have serial killer parents who make their daughter clean up their mess… like what? This book has twists you don’t see coming. I def recommend!!
January 6, 2026
This book has trigger warnings. Please read them.
- violent and graphic scenes
- blood and gore
- stalking
- child abuse
- child neglect
- abuse towards vulnerable individuals
- can be triggering for those with mental health issues
I could not put this book down. Someone needs to make this into a movie or tv mini series.
It is labeled as thriller but there is horror in it. It’s romantic.
This book will have you clutching your pearls one minute and crying your eyes out the next and then shocked and horrified the next.
You cannot predict what is going to happen. You can guess - but seriously - I am not sure you will figure out what is happening until the end.
There are sweet moments and terrifying moments.
You don’t know who to trust.
Also, there is so much Stockholm syndrome in this. There is so much disassociation and childhood attachment issues. There is so much mental health discussions that could be discussed after reading this book. I could see a literature class studying this book.
The ending is confusing and at the same time satisfying and it makes you long for more. You want to talk to the author and ask a million questions.
You want to hug the main female character all the time. She reminds me a little of Carrie from the Stephen King novels. Sheltered and isolated. But just in a different way. Instead of religion - your parents are serial killers.
Read this book! Seriously. This book is brilliant! I could not put it down.
And 3 cheers for Clementine!
- violent and graphic scenes
- blood and gore
- stalking
- child abuse
- child neglect
- abuse towards vulnerable individuals
- can be triggering for those with mental health issues
I could not put this book down. Someone needs to make this into a movie or tv mini series.
It is labeled as thriller but there is horror in it. It’s romantic.
This book will have you clutching your pearls one minute and crying your eyes out the next and then shocked and horrified the next.
You cannot predict what is going to happen. You can guess - but seriously - I am not sure you will figure out what is happening until the end.
There are sweet moments and terrifying moments.
You don’t know who to trust.
Also, there is so much Stockholm syndrome in this. There is so much disassociation and childhood attachment issues. There is so much mental health discussions that could be discussed after reading this book. I could see a literature class studying this book.
The ending is confusing and at the same time satisfying and it makes you long for more. You want to talk to the author and ask a million questions.
You want to hug the main female character all the time. She reminds me a little of Carrie from the Stephen King novels. Sheltered and isolated. But just in a different way. Instead of religion - your parents are serial killers.
Read this book! Seriously. This book is brilliant! I could not put it down.
And 3 cheers for Clementine!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
I wanted to like this book because I thought the premise was unique. I felt the book dragged on for far too long and could have done better as a novella. I figured a few things out early on. Even when that was verified, I felt the ending was bland and was thankful the story was finished.
July 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6 Stars)
I have absolutely no words for this book... and yet somehow I need to talk about it.
The best way I can describe *Sour* is like driving past a horrific train wreck mixed with a multi-car pileup. You know you shouldn't look. Every reasonable part of your brain is screaming, "Keep driving!" But you can't. You have to rubberneck because you *need* to know what on earth is happening.
That was this entire book.
There were parts that literally made me gag. There were other parts where my nose was permanently scrunched up into my forehead because I was so completely disgusted. I don't think my face relaxed for half the book.
And yet...
I honestly don't know who's more disturbed—the author for writing it or me for giggling at parts that absolutely should not have been funny. It was so wildly unhinged that I reached a point where all I could do was laugh in complete disbelief.
When I finished, I sat there giggling for a solid five more minutes, repeating, "What? What just happened? What is going on?!" My brain simply could not process what I'd just read.
My kids actually looked at me and asked, "Mom... are you okay?"
My response?
"I'm... not sure."
This book is chaotic, disturbing, disgusting, completely unforgettable, and unlike anything I've ever read. It made me gag, cringe, laugh at the most inappropriate moments, and question my own sanity. If the author's goal was to leave readers completely traumatized while somehow begging for more... mission accomplished.
I have absolutely no words for this book... and yet somehow I need to talk about it.
The best way I can describe *Sour* is like driving past a horrific train wreck mixed with a multi-car pileup. You know you shouldn't look. Every reasonable part of your brain is screaming, "Keep driving!" But you can't. You have to rubberneck because you *need* to know what on earth is happening.
That was this entire book.
There were parts that literally made me gag. There were other parts where my nose was permanently scrunched up into my forehead because I was so completely disgusted. I don't think my face relaxed for half the book.
And yet...
I honestly don't know who's more disturbed—the author for writing it or me for giggling at parts that absolutely should not have been funny. It was so wildly unhinged that I reached a point where all I could do was laugh in complete disbelief.
When I finished, I sat there giggling for a solid five more minutes, repeating, "What? What just happened? What is going on?!" My brain simply could not process what I'd just read.
My kids actually looked at me and asked, "Mom... are you okay?"
My response?
"I'm... not sure."
This book is chaotic, disturbing, disgusting, completely unforgettable, and unlike anything I've ever read. It made me gag, cringe, laugh at the most inappropriate moments, and question my own sanity. If the author's goal was to leave readers completely traumatized while somehow begging for more... mission accomplished.
August 16, 2025
We have a story about a very sheltered young woman. Trudging forward aimlessly with quite the traumatic past; she's forced to live a life forged from blood, death, dismemberment and digging graves. Pleasant upbringing right? Our neurodivergent FMC knows absolutely nothing of the world besides her crazy, neurotic serial killer parents and the love she wishes they would give her.
She's given a choice. Kill someone and join her parents as a killer or be killed by them. Seems like a simple choice; or is it? Would being like them be okay? Or would dying be the sweeter alternative to this life of hell?
This slow burn romantic thriller takes a turn when you meet the "mark". Her chosen lamb for slaughter in the form of a delicious man she happens to meet. While she decides "Will She or Won't She" some craziness continues to ensue at every turn. Is she losing it? Are her parents losing it? Will you figure it out before you reach the end of the book?
I for one enjoyed the slow burn. By about the halfway mark is where this book starts to really fly! She does a great job at mis direction for some of the things that are going on in this novel to keep you guessing at what is happening next. This IS a standalone novel, bit it definitely leaves it open for more and I for one would enjoy MORE.
She's given a choice. Kill someone and join her parents as a killer or be killed by them. Seems like a simple choice; or is it? Would being like them be okay? Or would dying be the sweeter alternative to this life of hell?
This slow burn romantic thriller takes a turn when you meet the "mark". Her chosen lamb for slaughter in the form of a delicious man she happens to meet. While she decides "Will She or Won't She" some craziness continues to ensue at every turn. Is she losing it? Are her parents losing it? Will you figure it out before you reach the end of the book?
I for one enjoyed the slow burn. By about the halfway mark is where this book starts to really fly! She does a great job at mis direction for some of the things that are going on in this novel to keep you guessing at what is happening next. This IS a standalone novel, bit it definitely leaves it open for more and I for one would enjoy MORE.
April 13, 2026
4.8/5 stars
I COULD NOT put this down! The interesting and complex characters had me hooked from the get go. I was rooting for Belle to make it out and leave her current life. Meril's unhinged compulsions and Louise's growing anger, jealousy, and disapproval of her household left me on the edge of my seat unsure of what direction the story would take.
The author did an impeccable job of both demonstrating a sheltered and neurodivergent individual. These key factors coupled with Belle's upbringing meant she couldn't trust anyone, including her own judgement.
When I thought I had the story figured out, wowwww was I completely wrong, this book had literally the 2nd best twists that I have read in the last 5 years.
I cannot wait for the next book and am looking forward to reading other works from this author. THIS IS A MUSSSSSSST READ!!!!!! If you love serial killer novels, or a dark broken family dynamic then this is the book for you!
I COULD NOT put this down! The interesting and complex characters had me hooked from the get go. I was rooting for Belle to make it out and leave her current life. Meril's unhinged compulsions and Louise's growing anger, jealousy, and disapproval of her household left me on the edge of my seat unsure of what direction the story would take.
The author did an impeccable job of both demonstrating a sheltered and neurodivergent individual. These key factors coupled with Belle's upbringing meant she couldn't trust anyone, including her own judgement.
When I thought I had the story figured out, wowwww was I completely wrong, this book had literally the 2nd best twists that I have read in the last 5 years.
I cannot wait for the next book and am looking forward to reading other works from this author. THIS IS A MUSSSSSSST READ!!!!!! If you love serial killer novels, or a dark broken family dynamic then this is the book for you!
May 4, 2026
“Sour” by Shae Smith is an absolute standout—easily a five-star read. From the very first page, it pulls you into a world that feels both raw and deeply authentic. Smith’s writing has this sharp, emotional edge that makes every scene hit harder, and the characters feel incredibly real—flawed, layered, and impossible to forget.
What really makes this book shine is its honesty. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s exactly what gives it so much power. The themes of love, pain, growth, and self-discovery are handled with a kind of vulnerability that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading.
The pacing is spot-on, balancing intense emotional moments with quieter reflections that let everything sink in. And the dialogue? Natural, engaging, and often cutting in the best way.
If you’re looking for something that’s bold, emotionally gripping, and unapologetically real, “Sour” is definitely worth your time. It’s the kind of book that lingers—one you’ll keep thinking about and maybe even revisit.
What really makes this book shine is its honesty. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s exactly what gives it so much power. The themes of love, pain, growth, and self-discovery are handled with a kind of vulnerability that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading.
The pacing is spot-on, balancing intense emotional moments with quieter reflections that let everything sink in. And the dialogue? Natural, engaging, and often cutting in the best way.
If you’re looking for something that’s bold, emotionally gripping, and unapologetically real, “Sour” is definitely worth your time. It’s the kind of book that lingers—one you’ll keep thinking about and maybe even revisit.
July 6, 2026
My feelings were alllllllll over the place. I sat down and couldnt stop reading for HOURS.
Horrified. Flabbergasted. Cringing, sad, mad, conflicted.
I just want to grab the FMC out of the book and hug her.
And... find a nice lake for her 'parents' to permanently 'visit' . 😒
I had to pause for a minute, noticed the dedication in the back of the book. Honestly, I wish that was in the front. Yes, there are trigger warnings, but I feel like that dedication could have prepared my brain (and heart) for what was coming.
The ENDING!!!! The way my jaw was on the floor!! The audible gasp I'm sure my neighbors heard! I had to re-read the last page twice to make sure I understood right 🤣
WOW! Now I understand why folks wanted a book two.
Incredible. Nothing like anything I have ever read.
Favorite quotes:
“I don’t want to be treated like a sheltered. I am trying to heal from that. And you’ve been good for me.”
“We are defined by the emotions we react to. That mental battle that goes on inside your head every day? We all fight it.”
Horrified. Flabbergasted. Cringing, sad, mad, conflicted.
I just want to grab the FMC out of the book and hug her.
And... find a nice lake for her 'parents' to permanently 'visit' . 😒
I had to pause for a minute, noticed the dedication in the back of the book. Honestly, I wish that was in the front. Yes, there are trigger warnings, but I feel like that dedication could have prepared my brain (and heart) for what was coming.
The ENDING!!!! The way my jaw was on the floor!! The audible gasp I'm sure my neighbors heard! I had to re-read the last page twice to make sure I understood right 🤣
WOW! Now I understand why folks wanted a book two.
Incredible. Nothing like anything I have ever read.
Favorite quotes:
“I don’t want to be treated like a sheltered. I am trying to heal from that. And you’ve been good for me.”
“We are defined by the emotions we react to. That mental battle that goes on inside your head every day? We all fight it.”
January 3, 2026
Wow! Talk about a psychological thriller, this one was really good and nothing like I’ve read before. I’m still trying to process the ending! I wasn’t expecting that at all.
This book follows Sable who had been raised her entire life by serial killers and they had basically held her their prisoner and made her clean up their messes after they had a fresh kill. They homeschooled her so she had hardly no contact to the outside world. She was so tired of their life style. She wasn’t even allowed to call them mom and dad.
They eventually moved to a lemon farm and her mom opened a bakery and that’s when things really started to off kilter for them.
Then she met Jones and things started getting sloppy and the tables started to turn on her parents. There is so many twists that I didn’t see coming, or I knew they were coming but not in the way they unfolded!
I really enjoyed this book. I know she has re-vamped it so it’s not as long and did some edits to the new version.
This book follows Sable who had been raised her entire life by serial killers and they had basically held her their prisoner and made her clean up their messes after they had a fresh kill. They homeschooled her so she had hardly no contact to the outside world. She was so tired of their life style. She wasn’t even allowed to call them mom and dad.
They eventually moved to a lemon farm and her mom opened a bakery and that’s when things really started to off kilter for them.
Then she met Jones and things started getting sloppy and the tables started to turn on her parents. There is so many twists that I didn’t see coming, or I knew they were coming but not in the way they unfolded!
I really enjoyed this book. I know she has re-vamped it so it’s not as long and did some edits to the new version.
April 3, 2026
A book where our MC is raised by serial killers. A girl who doesnt want to live the same lifestyle as her parents, but is being forced to our will suffer the same fate as all their victims before. The story held such a unique plot and writing style.
Meril, Louise and Sable Bell live a secret life. One she despises, one she wants to escape and it's not until she meets Jones that she realizes her new relationship is putting a damper on her plans.
The mystery this book provides, constantly making you question what Sable is going to do with her life. Will she choose freedom or imprisonment. Death or Survival. Love or Sacrifice. The mystery with Jones never knowing if hes lying, who he actually is, or if he truly wants to be with Sable. A mystery that stays hidden up until the very end.
I loved the writing, the plot, and the connection made with the MC. The next installment cannot come soon enough.
Meril, Louise and Sable Bell live a secret life. One she despises, one she wants to escape and it's not until she meets Jones that she realizes her new relationship is putting a damper on her plans.
The mystery this book provides, constantly making you question what Sable is going to do with her life. Will she choose freedom or imprisonment. Death or Survival. Love or Sacrifice. The mystery with Jones never knowing if hes lying, who he actually is, or if he truly wants to be with Sable. A mystery that stays hidden up until the very end.
I loved the writing, the plot, and the connection made with the MC. The next installment cannot come soon enough.
December 2, 2025
SOUR is the kind of book that crawls under your skin, settles in your chest, and refuses to leave quietly.
Shae Smith delivers a story that is equal parts heartbreak and hunger — a romance that feels too real, too sharp, too honest in the way it cuts and heals at the same time. These characters are messy, magnetic, wounded, and so painfully human that you can’t help rooting for them even when they’re spiraling.
The chemistry? Electric.
The tension? Thick enough to taste.
The emotional damage? …I’m still recovering.
What I loved the most is how Smith writes love that isn’t easy, isn’t neat, and isn’t always pretty — but it’s real. It’s love that drags you through the sour to earn the sweet. The character growth, the broken pieces they try to hide, the way they pull each other apart and still reach for one another — it’s all breathtaking in that “I need a minute to breathe” way.
Shae Smith delivers a story that is equal parts heartbreak and hunger — a romance that feels too real, too sharp, too honest in the way it cuts and heals at the same time. These characters are messy, magnetic, wounded, and so painfully human that you can’t help rooting for them even when they’re spiraling.
The chemistry? Electric.
The tension? Thick enough to taste.
The emotional damage? …I’m still recovering.
What I loved the most is how Smith writes love that isn’t easy, isn’t neat, and isn’t always pretty — but it’s real. It’s love that drags you through the sour to earn the sweet. The character growth, the broken pieces they try to hide, the way they pull each other apart and still reach for one another — it’s all breathtaking in that “I need a minute to breathe” way.
May 6, 2026
I’m going to start this off with a wow, better yet, a capital WOW. This book had me hooked from the first page on through. I could have read it a lot sooner, but I wanted to take my time and revel in it. This book brought emotion and mystery, and a lot of what-if moments. It left me puzzled to understand Jones Law. He was so shady at times. I truly enjoyed the twist and the ending. I truly enjoyed the rabbit hole Shae Smith sent me down, trying to figure out what Jones Law was up to. It took me until the last chapter before he confessed when I figured things out with him. Normally, I pick up on that stuff, but I was so focused on the plotline surrounding Sable and her parents. This book is truly amazing, and it reflects such talent in an amazing story.
August 16, 2025
This captivating novel plunges into the enigmatic world of the Lumen family, unearthing their haunting mysteries. Brace yourself for a riveting blend of romance, suspense, and unexpected twists that will compel you to reassess the essence of familial ties. Sable’s transformative odyssey will tug at your heart with its poignant narrative that lingers in your thoughts long after the last page is turned. Prepare for an emotionally charged rollercoaster of revelations that will leave you spellbound. Dive into this mesmerizing tale and experience a soul-stirring journey through love, betrayal, and the unending allure of lemons.
January 10, 2026
Ok. This book was way better than I expected. I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoy it. At first I was worried because there was a lot of detail, and I thought the author wouldn’t be able to keep up and the story would fall short. But even with a simple plot (a girl born into a family a serial killers struggles with right and wrong , love and abandonment, and finally meets someone who has her questioning everything she knew to be true) , the author was able to keep it fulfilling and entertaining. I thought I’d hate the characters (which you’re almost supposed to) but I thought they were well written and multifaceted. My first 5 star read of 2026. Really loved this.
January 28, 2026
Imagine growing up and your parents have been serial killers since you were born and you are here to clean up their messes and dig the holes under the lemon trees for the bodies to be buried! You are told you have to have a kill yourself when you are of the age of 21. You meet your prey, but can you do it? Can you kill some one who has finally showed you love? The only complaint I have regarding this book is I think it’s a little too long. It kept me interested and there were times I could not put it down just wanting to know what was going to happen!
Check your triggers, there are a lot!! I rated this book 4.5 stars.
Check your triggers, there are a lot!! I rated this book 4.5 stars.
April 14, 2026
This was a very good read. Following the story of a girl being raised by serial killers who expect her to be ome the same as them. She is caught in the dilemma of wanting a normal life and the love for her father. The characters were well written and the development of the relationships was interesting.
This book was gripping and well-paced. It did have longer chapters but they didn't feel long when reading.
I rated this 4.5 stars - only losing a 1/2 for the ending which left me a little confused.
This is the 1st book I've read from Shae Smith and it won't be my last. Check for trigger warnings and there is some gore in this.
This book was gripping and well-paced. It did have longer chapters but they didn't feel long when reading.
I rated this 4.5 stars - only losing a 1/2 for the ending which left me a little confused.
This is the 1st book I've read from Shae Smith and it won't be my last. Check for trigger warnings and there is some gore in this.
November 3, 2025
This book was definitely a good read. Though be warned there are a lot of murders and a couple spicy moments.
Sable Bell grows up with two parents that are serial murderers. When she turns 21 they say it’s time for her to start killing people also. She doesn’t want to be like her parents. She wants to escape and have her own life with no murders and no more cleaning up after her parents. She meets Jones and despite telling her parents she is going to kill him, she is hoping he will be her means to escape.
Sable Bell grows up with two parents that are serial murderers. When she turns 21 they say it’s time for her to start killing people also. She doesn’t want to be like her parents. She wants to escape and have her own life with no murders and no more cleaning up after her parents. She meets Jones and despite telling her parents she is going to kill him, she is hoping he will be her means to escape.
December 29, 2025
Will the lemon fall far from the tree?
When Sable Bell turns 21, she must kill the man she loves or risk the wrath of her serial killer parents. Raised in the most bizarre and twisted of circumstances, Sable's life on the Lumen Lemon Farm has been anything but sweet. Despite the horror she has been exposed to since childhood, Sable's heart remains pure, and she lacks the killer instincts of her parents.
But when it's a case of kill or be killed, will Sable rise to the challenge?
Find out in this propulsive serial killer thriller that will keep you guessing into the night.
When Sable Bell turns 21, she must kill the man she loves or risk the wrath of her serial killer parents. Raised in the most bizarre and twisted of circumstances, Sable's life on the Lumen Lemon Farm has been anything but sweet. Despite the horror she has been exposed to since childhood, Sable's heart remains pure, and she lacks the killer instincts of her parents.
But when it's a case of kill or be killed, will Sable rise to the challenge?
Find out in this propulsive serial killer thriller that will keep you guessing into the night.
January 8, 2026
Wow! For a debut novel just wow. I will admit I struggled starting the book it had me feeling uneasy and upset. But a grind of mine pushed me to keep reading and I am so happy she did. This book will mess with your head and leave you wanting more. It was so good! I give it 4 stars bc some spots felt dragged out for me and I would skip a head a little to see what happened next. Also there were some editing errors that left me confused and felt a little like I read it wrong. But really such a great book!
Also the ending 🤯
Also the ending 🤯
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews